Fan clutch removal tips? (Timing belt replacement)

Note: I solved this problem by cutting the nuts off so this isn't a problem on my truck anymore. I'm posting this to see if anyone has tips on how to remove the fan clutch nuts if anyone else runs into this problem. I'll add any tips to the post I add to the timing belt sticky.

Problem: When replacing my timing belt the only fasteners that presented a problem were the four nuts securing the fan clutch to the fan pulley bracket.

• I tried everything I could of (a standard box wrench but not a very long one, vice grips, etc.) including a torch in case the previous mechanic used high-temp loctite. Nothing would budge the nuts.
• One of the videos on the timing belt sticky suggested using "big azz channellocks".
• In the end I cut the nuts off so I could free up the fan pulley for re-use (I was replacing the fan bracket and clutch).

Has anyone run into very tight fan clutch nuts and come up with a good way to remove them? It doesn't make sense for these nuts to have been tightened so much during the previous timing belt replacement but I'm glad they didn't do this for all the fasteners.

These are the four nuts I'm referring to:

 

I’ve also used my pair of “Big Azz” Channel locks. Another trick that worked for me was to two different box end wrenches at the same time. Fit both wrenches over different nuts. One is bound to loosen up. It should get a minimum of three of the nuts loose. Yes the last nut might get tricky to remove, but that’s about when i used my Big Azz channel locks. Just don’t use them on the pulley itself. You don’t want to scar it up whatsoever!

 

Prybar, between the nuts you arent attempting to work with braced against the other nuts... It can be tough.

With that rounded nut. I may have gone for a nut splitter (pending i could get it to catch) ... If i couldnt lock a spline wrench, and then maybe, vice grips onto it tight enough. Last resort I'd have went to my dremel with a small cutoff wheel at the nut before hacking all the studs off the water pump...



I guess if you're replacing the pump already... Send it...

 

Rubber strap wrench

 

Perfect call. I forgot that those things even exist. I should just buy one and put it in my tool box.

 

I’ve used this arrangement with some success: Use the old belt clamped tight around the pulley to hold, or sometimes a socket or wrench on one of the other nuts engaged against the floor, frame, etc. I’ve also substituted a BFH for the air chisel to get them loose with this setup.

 

I've used the two wrench technique for years, when you get 3 of them loose you can put them back on to concentrate on that last one. At that point you've had them all loose, except that one, so as long as you don't overtighten them you'll be ok. Realize that as you try to loosen one while holding the other it will tighten up the one you're trying to hold still. It takes some patience, but I don't have much of that & it still works for me.

 

even better are the chain wrenches. I used this $8 pitty on my crank pulley and a breaker bar to break the crank nut when I did my timing belt. (Big impact wouldn’t fit) Used an old piece belt to keep the chain from marring the pulley.

 

I’ve done multiple T Belts, never had an issue with stuck nuts. But I’m not in the rust belt.

I use a Gearwrench nut holding tool thing and a box open end wrench. 60% of the time, works every time.

 

Thanks for the tips! I used a rubber strap wrench on the pulley, two wrenches, heat, etc. but the darn nuts just wouldn't loosen. I guess I need more of this Fortunately I was replacing the fan pulley bracket so it wasn't a loss cutting the bolts.